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The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received notification on July 29 that there was a laboratory confirmed, positive human case of West Nile Virus. This is the first reported human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2025 Mosquito Season in Hays County. Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, HCHD will not disclose any information about the patient.
While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, 20% of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but over the counter medicine can help reduce symptoms and supportive care can be provided in a hospital setting to those experiencing more severe symptoms. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months.
WNV is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurological complications such as encephalitis and/or meningitis.
“West Nile Virus is not contagious and humans are a ‘deadend host,’ meaning humans are not capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals,” Hays County Epidemiologist Ian Harris said.
The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Public health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
Residents can protect themselves with the 3 Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain.
• DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose and lightcolored clothing outside.
• DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
HCHD and Hays County Development Services (HCDS) will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact HCDS at 512-3932150.
